Monday, April 30, 2012

That's how many of these A-Z Challenge posts I have left. Which is perfect, because you know what I have left? Zip. Zilch.

Because I'm a glutton for punishment, I've signed up for the May NaBloPoMo. (Sorry, Suz!!) May is my favorite month of the year, mostly because it's my birthday month. But, it's also the month for Mother's Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, one of my favorite cousin's birthday, one of my favorite person's birthday, one of my oldest friend's birthday (we've been friends since kindergarten!), my mother-in-law's birthday, and this year, it means graduation time around here (my niece and Brian). Whew! It's going to be a busy month! And, what better way to kick it off than a Cinco de Mayo Celebration with the girls on Saturday. Right after we see my niece off to prom, we'll be heading to our favorite Mexican restaurant for LOTS of margaritas! Ole!

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Yup, SUZ!!!!!This is absolutely NOT my best photo, however, Suz looks just adorable in this photo as she does in person.

Suz is now the third Bloggy Buddy who I have had the pleasure of actually meeting in person. I don't know about you guys, but I consider my Bloggy Buddies my friends. Like friends friends. Every blog post I read is kinda like having a quick chat on the phone, where we get to catch up real quick on what's been going on in each others lives. When you've been reading someone's blog long enough, you get to know their personality, their sense of humor, their likes and dislikes, etc. Just like you do with your "real" friends.

Let me tell you, Ms. Busy Bee Suz is EXACTLY the same in "real life" as I knew she would be. And, before I forget to mention it, I LOVE HER!!!! I had SO much fun that night. There wasn't even one single second of hesitation or 'weirdness' when we met. It was like meeting up with an old friend. Our menfolk even hit it off. It was really special the way they ganged up on us girls. Good times, good times... ;-)

The night went by way too fast. It was like we were life-long friends, with so much to talk about, and laugh about. Man, did we laugh! (And, no, it had NOTHING to do with the wine or margaritas that kept arriving at our table. Shut up!) I just wish she and Coach had been here strictly for pleasure, and not for business, so that I could have spent more time with them. Unfortunately, it was a work/school night, so we had to cut the night short.

After we drove them back to their hotel, CSJ and I immediately both started talking about what a great time we had, and what wonderful people they are. He said, "Now, how do you know her again?"

I said, "She's one of my Bloggy Buddies."

"And, what, you guys met up the last time she was here or something?"

I just laughed, and said, "NO, this is the first time we've met!"

He was so surprised, since he said we carried on like long-lost friends.

I will definitely be seeing Suz and Coach again. Probably when I randomly show up at her doorstep one day. CSJ has been wanting to visit the area where they live for a while, so it just may happen sooner than Suz is ready for. (Did you hear that Suz?! Don't answer your front door without looking out first!!)

Here are a couple of funny things Suz and I have in common. We are both a bit vertically challenged. We both could eat Mexican food every single day. We both have children in college. We are both devastatingly beautiful.

We both started dating our husbands in 1985. You know, when we were in preschool. Neither one of us were officially proposed to. We both got married in 1991.

January 19, 1991

May 25, 1991

We've all aged quite gracefully, wouldn't you say?

Thanks, Suz and Coach, for such a wonderful evening of laughs and great conversation. We can't wait to do it again.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

This was a hard one. I could write about my Valentine, but it isn't February. I could post my recipe for Vegetable Lasagna, but I don't have a picture to go with it. I could write about the rampant Violence that goes on in Englewood, but I don't like to think about it. I could write about my Vices, but I try to keep this place PG-13.

So, instead, I leave up this driVel, that only Vaguely resembles a post. :(

Monday, April 23, 2012

So, the other night, while CSJ and I were at dinner (being completely irritated by our incompetent waiter!), I heard my phone ringing. I grabbed my purse from the seat next to me, and started searching through the pocket I keep my phone in, but I couldn't find it. I was getting annoyed, as I searched and searched. Then, suddenly I remembered that I had left it on the kitchen table. Shit! I HATE when I do that!!

Anyhoo, as I was saying to CSJ, "Shoot, I left it on the table. But, I SWEAR I heard it ring!" his phone started ringing. The caller ID said it was me calling. He answered it, and it was Stud. Apparently, he had tried calling ME, but then heard my phone ringing in the kitchen, so he picked it up and called his father. He didn't even realize we had left to go to dinner, and he was wondering where we were.

Ok, cue the Twilight Zone theme music. How funny/weird/strange/freaky/spooky is itthat I somehow knew my baby was trying to reach me? Ok, I know some of you just rolled your eyes, and said, "Oh my God, ChiTown, get over yourself!" But, I choose to believe it's a testament to the magical bond between a mother and child.

By the way, that's not the first time something like this has happened. You are free to think I'm off my rocker. But, I know what I know. I've had this weird 'psychic' ability for most of my life. I almost always know who it is the minute the phone rings. Actually, I can usually somehow tell whenthe phone is about to ring. Generally, I pull my cell phone out about 5 seconds before it rings, or I get a text. Weird, I know.

There are some other things, but I'm going to stop there before one of you calls the men with the little white coats... ;-)

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Ours was full of errands today. Stud and I went and had the oil changed in his car. On the way, he dropped off an application at the Aldi near our home, cuz Sucka needs a job! After the oil change, we went for a car wash (free with the oil change. Score!) Then we went to Target to return a phone I bought the other day that I decided I didn't like after all. No luck finding a new one, so we went to KMart, across the street, and found one there.

In the meantime, CSJ called to say he was finishing early for the day, and what would I like to do tonight? We ended up trying a new restaurant for dinner (Gotta love Groupon!). The place was an English pub called Chequers. CSJ had broiled chicken breast, veggies and mashed potatoes. I ordered the Chequers Trio which was a sample of each of their top three sellers - Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Shepard's Pie and Chicken Pot Pie. It did not disappoint! What WAS disappointing was our service, though. I'm still pissed about it, and we've been home for an hour. If I didn't have two more Groupons to use, I probably wouldn't go back, it was that bad. I pray our next visit is different.

Now I'm in my jammies, all tucked into bed, surfin' the web and boring you with the mundane details of my day. Aren't you glad I'm so dedicated to this A-Z Challenge? ;-)

Here'ssomething silly from our Saturday. I thought he did a great job with his hair today, so took an "artistic" photo of it. He then posted it to his Facebook page with the caption: "SOON MY TRANSFORMATION INTO A DINOSAUR SHALL BE COMPLETE" I so love my silly son!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Christina, put those ta-tas AWAY!!! Is anyone else out there hooked on The Voice like I am? The ONLY thing that ruins it for me is Christina Aguilera. I'm SO sick of looking at her bOObs hanging out every single flippin' episode!!!! Grow the hell up, show a little class, put your flapjacks away!

Ok, rant over. I actually went to work today, although I did leave early. The pain was kicking in, and I knew I wouldn't make it til the end of the day. I hope it gets a little better each day. I did manage to run a few errands on the way home, though, including getting an oil change (finally!). I figured I shouldn't waste a 'bra day." tee hee hee!

Monday, April 16, 2012

I'm starting to have a new appreciation for them. I've written, ad nauseam, about my feelings on the subject, so I won't go there again.

However, I've taken more drugs in the last two weeks than I have in my entire life. Literally. I've tried to go without, and skip doses when I can, but ultimately, I've found myself having to fall back on my Norco. Yesterday, I was feeling pretty darn good when I woke up. I actually went to Sam's Club for some groceries and some things my mother needed for dinner, as we were all getting together to celebrate my daddy's birthday. I was doing fine. Right up until dinner was over...

The pain started kicking in right around dessert time. I was hoping it would just hold steady, but naturally, it didn't. It went from 0-60 in about 15 minutes. Sadly, I had to leave the party. CSJ had some Vicodin with him, that he takes for his arthritis, but I knew I had let myself go WAY past the point of no return. I took it before we left, but my parents only live about 2 minutes from me, so I was still in significant pain when I got home. All I could do was go to my room, put my pajamas on and sob. It took a good hour and half for the meds to kick in, and I was just praying I could fall asleep. Not so much.

Sometimes I think my body has the opposite reaction to things. For example, I can drink 2 espressos at my parents' house, then go home and go right to sleep. Another example would be that Vicodin normally knocks people out, but I think it woke me up. I could not fall asleep for the life of me. I was up until almost 2am. That would be fine except I was supposed to go back to work today. Guess who added to her already two-week-long break? I have GOT to go tomorrow, no matter what.

Maybe part of why I couldn't fall asleep was the fact that I couldn't decide what the hell to do about today. I knew there was no way I could work in that kind of pain, but I also knew I couldn't work with the mind-numbing nausea the Norco gives me. It was a damned if you do, damned if you don't kind of situation. Plus, Norco is a narcotic, which means I probably shouldn't be doing a whole lot of driving, right?

I'm thinking maybe part of the reason the pain came back so strongly yesterday is that yesterday was the first day I wore a bra for a whole day since my rash first started. I think I mentioned that the rash is directly under my bra line. Of course it is!! So I've been letting the girls swing in the breeze for a couple of weeks now. Well, it's actually more bounce off my knees than swing in the breeze. (Sorry, boys!) I'm just praying that the bra isn't a problem tomorrow at work. I obviously can NOT go without one, so say a prayer or something for me, will ya?

Believe it or not, I did not take even ONE picture yesterday. I had about 3 weeks of missed time with Monkey to make up for, so I was far too busy lovin' her up to take pictures.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

I found this a while ago, and don't even remember who I "borrowed" it from. If it was you, please let me know so I can give you credit!

(I guess this may seem like another "cheater" post, but I'm trying to fulfill my A-Z obligation. I'm starting to feel like my old self again, so I should be back to "real" posts very soon. Thanks again for all the well-wishes.)

Friday, April 13, 2012

I know, that's so lazy (hey, another "L" word!) but I'm out of gas. Thankfully, the pain is getting better, the migraine has definitely been downgraded to a headache, and the rash is starting to clear up. Now it just itches like hell. Thank you so much to all of you have been sending me such warm well-wishes. It really means a lot to me.

(If you're really bored, you could click the "love" label and see what else I've had to say on the subject.)

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Just some random shots of what gives me JOY. Again, I'm only working with what's on this "new" computer. You'd think with all the free time I've had this week, I'd get off my butt and get those old pictures. Sheesh, it's not like I'm trying to deal with a painful condition or anything.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Monday, April 9, 2012

Oh, how I wish you could. How I wish ANYONE could! The pain meds aren't doing a damn thing other than making me even more nauseous. Oh, joy. I finally found a couple of positions that don't completely make me scream, so I have been able to nap a little here and there. The nausea and dizziness today are unbelievable. The fucking migraine still hasn't subsided, despite the prescription pain medication. I don't think I'm going to take them anymore.

That's all I can take for now. Reading this computer screen is making my nausea even worse, and I feel like my head is going to explode.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Let me start from the beginning, since you know how much I like to bore you.

Monday night, as I was getting undressed, I realized I had an itch that felt like a bug bite, right under to band of my bra. I felt around, and sure enough, there was a little bump.

Tuesday, it was itchier than the day before. I asked CSJ to take a look, since now the bump felt like it was "spreading." He said, "Oh, yeah, there's something there alright. It's some kind of rash, I think. The center looks kinda like a pimple, that's coming to a head." Lovely, I know. I still thought it was a bite of some kind, possibly a spider bite. Another thought crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it.

You may remember that Tuesday was also the day I pulled a bunch of weeds and dead junk from my yard. That night, the pain in my back started. It was in the same area as the bite, but I didn't think they were at all related.

Wednesday, the migraine woke me up, the back pain was WAY worse, and the rash was spreading. You basically know how the rest of the week went. Friday night, as I was trying to distract myself from the agonizing pain by watching TV, a commercial came on for the very ailment that crossed my mind Tuesday night.

So, I Googled it. Sure enough, I was fairly convinced that I had the right self-diagnoses. I couldn't exactly compare the rash to the photos, since I couldn't see mine. However, everything else seemed to be a match, including the mind-numbing pain, and the headache. I was a little scared, ok, terrified, when I read that sometimes the pain can last up to two months. I knew there was NO way I could deal with that.

This morning, the pain was absolutely unbearable. I decided I needed to go see a doctor. I sobbed through my shower, as well as the whole process of getting dressed. I drove to the nearest immediate care center, only to be told they don't accept my insurance. I was trying to decide if should try and find one associated with my insurance, but I just couldn't take the pain. I went straight to the emergency room. Luckily, they recently instituted a "fast track" system, so I was taken back to a room pretty quickly.

After a while, I sent CSJ a text to let him know where I was. He chastised me for going by myself, but I told him to just finish working, and I'd see him at home later. Instead, he left work and rushed to meet me. The big lug. When he got there, the first thing he did was check the rash. When he opened my gown, he couldn't contain his gasp. "Holy shit! It's WAY bigger now!" Gee, thanks, honey!

Ok, let me fast forward a bit. The doctor finally came in, and did his examination. Well, I was right on with my self-diagnoses. Freakin' SHINGLES!!! Holy crap. He gave me a prescription for a pain medication, and another prescription for an anti-viral medication. He also gave me a note saying that I couldn't go to work next week. Ok, that was kinda sweet.

Unfortunately, that also means I'll be sitting home alone tomorrow for Easter. There's NO way I'm going to take a chance of exposing Monkey to the virus. Plus, my brother is still susceptible to chicken pox. He had such a mild case when he was a child (he literally had THREE pox!) that the doctor told my mother he would probably get them again since his body didn't build up an immunity to the virus.

So, there you go. I just pray that it clears up as quickly as the doctor said (a couple weeks) because I don't know how much more I can take. The pain has started to spread around to the front of my body, and I feel like someone kicked me in my ribs. The doctor said the area looked red, so the rash may be spreading. I hope the medication keeps that from happening.

Speaking of medication, CSJ just walked in the door from picking it up for me, so I guess I'll take it and go lie down. Good night!

Friday, April 6, 2012

For those of you not familiar with one of my favorite sites, FML stands for Fuck My Life. Check it out on my blogroll.

Today is Day 3 of my killer migraine, and the back pain is still excruciating. I haven't gotten out of this bed since we got home from Milwaukee yesterday. I imagine that's probably not helping my back, but sitting or standing only makes it hurt more.

The nausea today was horrendous. I finally had to get up and get myself a glass of ginger ale earlier this morning. I can't really say it worked 100%, but I fell asleep shortly after I drank it, so I guess it doesn't really matter.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

That would accurately describe the pain I've been in since last night. I woke up out of a sound sleep yesterday morning, around 4:30am because my head felt like it was in a vice. It didn't get any better as the day went on, and it carried over to today. On top of that, I was pulling crap in my yard Tuesday, and I think I pulled something in my (already really BAD) back. So, I'm not really sure what was hurting more this morning, my head or my back.

Wait, I didn't get to the best part. We took a little day trip today to Milwaukee to the Milwaukee Art Museum. We really couldn't reschedule since CSJ already took the day off, which for him, is NOT a little thing. Plus, Thursday is the only day that Stud doesn't have school or work, and one of his besties, George, was coming with us since he was off school today. And, today was Target Free First Thursday at the museum, so it would have been a shame to miss that.

So, I had to sit for a very long car ride, which did wonders for my back, then walk for about 10 miles as we checked out every square inch of the museum. (Sweetheart that he is, CSJ dropped me off at the door when we got there, then he and the boys went to park the car in the lot, which was a few blocks away. When we left, I waited in front, while they went to get the car. How sweet is that?) As much as I enjoyed the exhibits, I was in such excruciating pain, I literally had tears sneaking out of my eyes, that I couldn't control. The migraine was making me incredibly nauseous and really dizzy. By the time we left, I was almost crying.

While we drove home, the nausea just continued to get worse and worse. I thought maybe if I could just fall asleep, it would help, but instead, closing my eyes was just adding car sickness nausea to the migraine nausea. Oh, joy! Not to mention, with every bump in the highway, my back was SCREAMING!

If you know me in "real life," you know that I don't really believe in "better living through chemistry." I almost never take any kind of medication. I prefer to let nature take it's course. I labored for 19 hours and birthed a very large baby without drugs. I've had root canals done without drugs (although that has a lot to do with my feeling about needles!). So, yeah, it's pretty rare that I take anything. Well, this morning, before we got in the car, I actually took one of CSJ's pain pills that he takes for his arthritis. I knew the long drive wasn't going to do my back any good. Unfortunately, it didn't even work!! I'm wondering if it may have even contributed to my nausea.

Wow, is anyone still there?! Sorry, I know this is the world's most boring blog post! I actually ended up taking something else when we got home, which, although it didn't take the pain away completely, it certainly has taken the edge off. So, I guess the reduction in pain has made me a little chatty! Type-y? Whatever. Either way, I promise, I'm stopping now. Time to lie down and let CSJ massage my head til I fall asleep. He's good like that. Oh, wait, one other highlight of the day - we stopped on the way up at Cracker Barrel for breakfast. Yay, Cracker Barrel!! Ok, bye.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Those of you who know me are probably not the least bit surprised that this is my "D" word.

Just some random pictures of the man I love most in the world.

We think this is from his confirmation.

Me and my Daddy, when I was about a year old.

My Daddy and my baby!

This is actually from my Daddy's birthday in 2010. His birthday is a week from today, so Happy Early Birthday, Daddy!Daddy and the newest grandbaby from about 7 months ago.

Sorry, they're not the best pictures, but I never took the time to put any of my "old" stuff on this computer, so I only had what's on this one to work with. Maybe later I'll work up the energy to dig out the external hard drive that has all my old pictures on it. Then again, don't count on it cuz - I'm on vacation, Bitches!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Ok, I suppose today's post could be considered cheating (oh, wait, that's a "c" word, too!) but I really wanted to share this. My dad emailed it to me yesterday, and it's about our CrazyCourts (ha! A two-fer there!)

It's time again for the annual 'Stella Awards'! For those unfamiliar with these awards, they are named after 81-year-old Stella Liebeck who spilled hot coffee on herself and successfully sued the McDonald's in New Mexico , where she purchased coffee. You remember, she took the lid off the coffee and put it between her knees while she was driving. Who would ever think one could get burned doing that, right? That's right; these are awards for the most outlandish lawsuits and verdicts in the U.S. You know, the kinds of cases that make you scratch your head. So keep your head scratcher handy.Here are the Stellas for year -- 2011:*SEVENTH PLACE*

Kathleen Robertson of Austin, Texas was awarded $80,000 by a jury of her peers after breaking her ankle tripping over a toddler who was running inside a furniture store. The store owners were understandably surprised by the verdict, considering the running toddler was her own son

Start scratching!* SIXTH PLACE *

Carl Truman, 19, of Los Angeles , California won $74,000 plus medical expenses when his neighbor ran over his hand with a Honda Accord. Truman apparently didn't notice there was someone at the wheel of the car when he was trying to steal his neighbor's hubcaps.

Scratch some more...* FIFTH PLACE *

Terrence Dickson, of Bristol , Pennsylvania , who was leaving a house he had just burglarized by way of the garage. Unfortunately for Dickson, the automatic garage door opener malfunctioned and he could not get the garage door to open. Worse, he couldn't re-enter the house because the door connecting the garage to the house locked when Dickson pulled it shut. Forced to sit for eight, count 'em, EIGHT days and survive on a case of Pepsi and a large bag of dry dog food, he sued the homeowner's insurance company claiming undue mental Anguish. Amazingly, the jury said the insurance company must pay Dickson $500,000 for his anguish. We should all have this kind of anguish Keep scratching. There are more...

Double hand scratching after this one..*FOURTH PLACE*

Jerry Williams, of Little Rock, Arkansas, garnered 4th Place in the Stella's when he was awarded $14,500 plus medical expenses after being bitten on the butt by his next door neighbor's beagle - even though the beagle was on a chain in its owner's fenced yard. Williams did not get as much as he asked for because the jury believed the beagle might have been provoked at the time of the butt bite because Williams had climbed over the fence into the yard and repeatedly shot the dog with a pellet gun.

Pick a new spot to scratch, you're getting a bald spot..* THIRD PLACE *Amber Carson of Lancaster, Pennsylvania because a jury ordered a Philadelphia restaurant to pay her $113,500 after she slipped on a spilled soft drink and broke her tailbone. The reason the soft drink was on the floor: Ms. Carson had thrown it at her boyfriend 30 seconds earlier during an argument.What ever happened to people being responsible for their own actions?Only two more so ease up on the scratching... *SECOND PLACE*

Kara Walton, of Claymont , Delaware sued the owner of a night club in a nearby city because she fell from the bathroom window to the floor, knocking out her two front teeth. Even though Ms. Walton was trying to sneak through the ladies room window to avoid paying the $3.50 cover charge, the jury said the night club had to pay her $12,000....oh, yeah, plus dental expenses. Go figure.Ok. Here we go!!* FIRST PLACE *

This year's runaway First Place Stella Award winner was: Mrs. Merv Grazinski, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, who purchased new 32-foot Winnebago motor home. On her first trip home, from an OU football game, having driven on to the freeway, she set the cruise control at 70 mph and calmly left the driver's seat to go to the back of the Winnebago to make herself a sandwich. Not surprisingly, the motor home left the freeway, crashed and overturned. Also not surprisingly, Mrs. Stone sued Winnebago for not putting in the owner's manual that she couldn't actually leave the driver's seat while the cruise control was set. The Oklahoma jury awarded her, are you sitting down?$1,750,000 PLUS a new motor home. Winnebago actually changed their manuals as a result of this suit, just in case Mrs. Stone has any relatives who might also buy a motor home. If you think the court system is out of control, be sure to pass this one on.

As in spring break. As in what I'm on this week. Thank you, 8lb 6oz newborn baby Jesus. (Just one of the many movies I plan to watch this week. And, if you don't know what movie I'm talking about, I'm not sure we can still be friends.)

I plan to enjoy the hell out of this break. Today, I just may stay in bed all day, who knows. I have my computer here on my lap, and I stack of magazines I haven't had time to read yet. Tomorrow I'll be meeting up with a bunch of teacher friends for lunch at one of my favorite restaurants. No plans yet for Wednesday, other than maybe hogging up some Monkey time. Thursday, CSJ, Stud and I will be taking a trip up to Milwaukee to an art museum that CSJ read about last month. Friday, no plans yet other than to maybe dye Easter eggs, since that's been the tradition in my family forever. Some of my long-time readers may remember past Good Friday posts where I've shared Stud and my nieces' creations. (If you're really bored today, you can click on the "Easter" label over there on the right to take a little trip down memory lane.)

What do you guys do on your spring break? Do you have certain traditions you like to follow? Tell me, tell me! I have of LOTS of time to read this week, ya know!

Sunday, April 1, 2012

I came across a challenge I had never heard of before, over at In My Mind It's Always Funny. It's called the A-Z Challenge. I've been a bit neglectful around here lately. I wondered - Could this help me get back into the blogging groove? Then I thought, what the heck, why not!? Especially since, for some reason, NaBloPoMo bugs my friend Suz. Can't wait to hear what she thinks about this. :)